Kilimanjaro Hiking Rongai Route 6 Days

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Ground transfers with pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro airport and the base hotel in Moshi
Park entrance fees,
Camping/Hut fees
Rescue fees,
Emergency Oxygen at no extra charge
Medical/First Aid Kit.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter to measure clients oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
24-hour standby radio Communication
3 litres of Mineral water on the first day per client
Hot meals (except the first day) are served in the mess tent.
4 season sleeping tents
2 inches mattress, 1 per client
Professional Mountain Guide, Park Fees and Salaries
Porters,
First and last night accommodation
Flying Doctor membership cover
Forest fees for clients and crews

Cost Excludes

Personal gear and climbing equipment
Eping bags
Drinks
Tipping and all
Other expenses of a personal nature.

Overview

Itinerary

Checklist

Price

FAQs

Map

Overview

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Machame Route

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.

The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.

This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi

Tour Highlights

Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Marangu Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
Trip Availability: All year round.

Day 01 :

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; after clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to Moshi town for overnight bed & breakfast.

Overnight: Ameg Lodge or similar on bed & breakfast basis

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 02 :

First Cave Camp

We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the rarely used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was politically considered to be “sensitive”. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. We also add an extra day to the standard five-day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatisation and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. Recent National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 30% if an extra day is spent acclimatising. The deviation to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little-used trail through moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Day Itinerary

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Land Cruiser to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.

These monkeys are black with long ‘capes’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains of Tsavo and Amboseli. ‘First Cave Camp’ [3-4 hours walking] Overnight: First Cave Camp.